At least 50 people are dead after a series of explosions rocked the Iraqi capital Baghdad, targeting Shiite-dominated areas.

According to reports, more than a dozen bombs went off to mark the tenth anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq.

Nearly 10 bombs exploded in the space of an hour, mostly targeting small restaurants, bus shelters, and other public places.

Although the violence has abated in recent years, Sunni insurgents have remained active, carrying out frequent attacks in a bid to destabilise the Shiite-led Iraqi administration.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but the nature of the bombings points to the involvement of al-Qaeda, according to initial reports.

Security has been beefed up following the blasts. The neighbourhoods of Mashtal, Baghdad Jadidah, Husseiniyah, Kadhimiyah, Sadr City, Zafraniyah and Shuala in southern Baghdad have borne the brunt of the wave of bombings.

Insurgents also opened fire in several locations, killing an unknown number of people.

Residents gather at the site of a car bomb attack in the AL-Mashtal district in BaghdadReutersResidents gather at the site of a car bomb attack in the AL-Mashtal district in BaghdadReutersResidents gather at the site of a car bomb attack in the AL-Mashtal district in BaghdadReutersResidents gather at the site of a car bomb attack in the AL-Mashtal district in BaghdadReutersIraqi policemen examine the remains of a car bomb in Baghdad's Sadr CityReutersA policeman stands guard at the site of car bomb attack in Baghdad's Sadr CityReuters